The Carshalton Athletic Awards Ceremony took place on Players Day Sunday evening, with a number of Robins supporters in attendance, alongside staff, players, and our Chairman, Paul Dipre.
The evening featured a range of awards presented to our men’s and women’s first teams, with each player receiving an individual accolade, accompanied by words from managers Peter Adeniyi and Aaron Lamont. Key awards such as Manager’s Player of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Golden Boot, and Clubman of the Year were all revealed.
Individual Player Awards
Presented by Peter Adeniyi, Aaron Lamont, and Chairman Paul Dipre
The ceremony began with the individual awards for our men’s and women’s first teams, with each player recognised for their outstanding efforts throughout the season. The awards were presented by Adeniyi, Lamont, and Dipre, with the first two offering heartfelt words to celebrate each player’s unique contributions.
Women’s Manager’s Player of the Season – Evie Nebbitt
Presented by Aaron Lamont and Chairman Paul Dipre
Defender Evie Nebbitt has been a standout performer in an ever-evolving Robins backline, starting 17 of the 20 games in the 2024–25 season. Whether deployed in a back four or a back five, Nebbitt consistently delivered excellent performances. Known for her crunching tackles, composure on the ball, and audacious long-range strikes, she has been a key figure in what has been a remarkable debut season for our women’s first team, especially given her young age, which makes her achievements even more impressive.
According to the South East Counties Women’s Football League statistics, Nebbitt has netted three goals this season, although her contribution certainly feels greater than that. She capped off her first campaign in senior women’s football in spectacular fashion with a stunning goal against local rivals Sutton United, a Tier 5 side. Controlling a throw-in on the left channel, she launched an audacious 30-yard strike that sailed past the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands, curling perfectly into the far corner.
Men’s Manager’s Player of the Season – Luke Read
Presented by Peter Adeniyi and Chairman Paul Dipre
Much like Evie Nebbitt, Luke Read has been an indispensable part of Carshalton’s defence throughout the 2024–25 season. Despite battling injury at times, Read made 47 appearances, proving himself a senior figure in what has often been a youthful and inexperienced Step 3 backline. His leadership skills have been pivotal on numerous occasions, particularly when helping the team see out crucial games.
Read has shown his worth at both ends of the pitch, delivering vital last-ditch challenges to prevent goals, while also providing dangerous crosses into the penalty area. One of the standout moments was his delicious delivery for Tommy Bradford’s header against Hashtag United at Parkside.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Read has scored several important goals this season. He bagged a brace in the thrilling 4-3 win over Billericay Town in late November, netted a last-gasp winner against Potters Bar Town — a crucial goal in our push for the play-offs — and a few weeks later, he was the match-winner again at Cheshunt, converting a cleverly backheeled cross off a Fabio Saraiva inswinging corner with a calm side-foot finish.
By the second half of the season, we were all well accustomed to seeing that trademark “Irons” celebration on the front of the Match Report graphic. Well done, Ready!
Men’s Players Player and Fans Player of the Year – Fabio Saraiva
Presented by Peter Adeniyi and Chairman Paul Dipre
It was a double triumph at the awards ceremony for fan favourite — and seemingly player favourite — Fabio Saraiva, and there’s no doubt his accolades are well deserved. Not only is Saraiva an exceptional footballer, but those who know him, both at the club and in the wider football world, will tell you he’s an even better person, someone who genuinely loves the game.
Since joining Peter Adeniyi’s side from Leatherhead last summer, Saraiva has quickly endeared himself to the Robins faithful. Supporters have come to expect his fierce tackles, composure under pressure, pinpoint passing, deadly set pieces, and thunderous 30-yard strikes.
Adeniyi has trusted Saraiva with the captain’s armband on several occasions in the absence of club captain Paris Hamilton-Downes and vice-captain Tommy Bradford, a clear testament to his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch. Remarkably, he played in every match of the 2024–25 campaign, missing only the festive clash against Bowers & Pitsea due to suspension. His consistency has been key to the ever-evolving midfield unit.
Saraiva’s contributions also saw him finish the season as the team’s second-highest scorer with an impressive 10 goals. Among them, perhaps the most memorable was his last-minute screamer that sealed a dramatic 4–3 victory over Billericay Town in early November. The moment was capped with an iconic celebration — arms outstretched, channelling the style of Jude Bellingham, as he faced the jubilant stand.
Just sold my car to Fabio Saraiva!
Women’s Fans Player of the Year – Sarah Chapman
Presented by Aaron Lamont and Chairman Paul Dipre
When Lamont was assembling his squad for their debut season in senior women’s football, he knew his youthful team needed some experienced heads — and veteran striker Sarah Chapman was a perfect fit. With the majority of the Robins squad aged between 16 and 23, they couldn’t have asked for a better role model than Chappers.
Boasting a wealth of experience from her time at Chelsea, the 44-year-old has shown time and time again this season that age is no barrier to brilliance. Her tenacity, tidy footwork, and clinical finishing have consistently thrilled supporters, and she ended the campaign with an impressive 14 goals in 19 starts — a remarkable feat, particularly at this stage of her career. On top of that, she earned two Opposition Player of the Match awards during the season, proving she’s still very much at the top of her game.
More importantly, Sarah is a truly wonderful person. You will often find her behind the bar, serving up a pint with a warm smile and a friendly greeting. Always approachable, she’s never too busy for a chat with staff, players, or supporters alike, making her a beloved presence both on and off the pitch.
Women’s Young Player of the Year – Kanita Throp
Presented by Aaron Lamont and Chairman Paul Dipre
Kanita Throp is undeniably one of the most exciting talents in the Women’s Football Pyramid. At just 17 years old, she has truly impressed in her debut season in senior women’s football, putting in standout performances week after week. While balancing appearances for Millwall’s youth setup, Throp remained a more reserved figure off the pitch, but on it, her trickery, quick feet, and explosive bursts of pace often left defenders bewildered.
Though she found the back of the net four times, Throp’s influence on the field went far beyond goals. She was an essential attacking threat for Lamont, playing a pivotal role in the team’s high press, creating space, and feeding passes through opposition defences. Her set pieces became a crucial weapon for the Robins, with her inswinging corners causing havoc in the penalty area, often resulting in goalmouth scrambles or being headed in by teammates like Georgie Edwards, Heather Eade, or Nebbitt.
In her 18 appearances, Throp was involved in the creation of numerous goals and was named Player of the Match in our recent game against Manorcroft United, where she showcased maturity beyond her years. Lamont himself acknowledged that it may be tough to keep hold of her next season, but any move to a higher-level team would be well deserved after a remarkable debut season. Congratulations Kanita!
Men’s Young Player of the Year – Brian Ifeanyi / Mason Saunders-Henry
Presented by Peter Adeniyi and Chairman Paul Dipre
Since Brian arrived after the ceremony had concluded, Adeniyi had the honour of presenting the award to Mason Saunders-Henry. Nevertheless, both are deserving of recognition, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate each of them individually.
Bryan Ifeanyi has an incredible ability to get the Robins faithful on their feet with his electrifying pace, nimble footwork, dazzling skills, and pinpoint deliveries across the goal. He’s a player who can create something out of nothing, and for much of the season, he was the Reds’ primary attacking force. Although he netted only five goals in the 2024-25 campaign, his impact was far greater.
He came alive in the latter part of the season, scoring four goals in his last eight games. Ifeanyi’s mesmerising footwork regularly left fans from both sides in awe, and with the arrival of David Smith in early November, the two formed a lethal partnership. Ifeanyi would frequently pull the ball back from the left flank for Smith to finish, further elevating his already vital contribution to the team.
Adeniyi aptly dubbed Saunders-Henry the best player in Step 3 when the midfielder received his award, and such high praise is undoubtedly deserved. Saunders-Henry has often been deployed as the most attacking player in a midfield trio, positioned ahead of a solid pivot with Saraiva and another midfielder. His technical prowess and first-touch ability set him apart, while his composure on the ball allows him to drive forward, seamlessly threading passes for teammates making runs behind the opposition’s defence.
Originally a wide midfielder, Saunders-Henry has showcased remarkable versatility, thriving in a more central role under Adeniyi’s guidance. During a conversation over the festive period, Adeniyi discussed how Saunders-Henry could elevate his game further, particularly in terms of goal returns. The results were clear: by the end of the season, he had added another seven goals to his tally, a testament to his growth and development.
Saunders-Henry’s standout moment of the 2024-25 season undoubtedly came with his dramatic 90th-minute strike, securing a vital 2-0 victory over Chatham United. This goal not only sealed a comfortable win but also ended Chatham’s impressive 15-match unbeaten streak, propelling us into the play-off spots as a result. It was the perfect way for Saunders-Henry to mark his return from injury.
Men’s and Women’s Golden Boot Winners – David Smith and Heather Eade
Presented by Peter Adeniyi, Aaron Lamont, and Chairman Paul Dipre
David Smith has enjoyed a standout debut season. Since arriving from Cray Wanderers in early November, the striker has showcased his Step 3 pedigree and proven eye for goal. It did not take long for him to make his mark, netting nine times by the turn of the year and quickly becoming a central figure in the Reds’ frontline.
Defined by his composure from the penalty spot, powerful headers, and sharp, instinctive finishing, Smith quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable forwards. While his scoring rate dipped slightly through March and April, his influence within Adeniyi’s attacking setup never waned. He struck up effective partnerships with Bryan Ifeanyi, Nabeel Ghannam, Kalvin Kalala, and Kola Salami, helping to sustain the Robins’ offensive threat.
The No. 9 concluded the season as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals, eclipsing the 15 he managed in 44 appearances for Folkestone Invicta last year. He closed out the campaign in strong form, bagging a brace against Dulwich Hamlet in the penultimate Isthmian Premier fixture of 2024–25. He also came agonisingly close to a dramatic late equaliser in the dying moments of the Surrey Senior Cup semi-final against Dorking.
Forward Heather Eade has been one of the true gems of Lamont’s squad, delivering an absolutely sensational 21 goals in just 15 starts. Wow. After speaking with Lamont, it’s clear that Eade’s journey to becoming the Robins’ top scorer for the 2024-25 season makes her even more deserving of all the accolades she’s receiving.
After several years away from the Women’s Senior game, caused by injuries and personal challenges, Eade’s return is nothing short of inspiring. She overcame every obstacle in her path, embraced the responsibility of leading the Reds’ attack, and thrived. With the support of players like Kenza Gueriani, Honey Dulley, Josie Alderman, and Throp supplying her with quality service, as well as forming a lethal partnership with Chappers, Eade’s positioning was always exemplary.
Her ability to score a wide variety of goals — with her head, both feet, and from all areas in and around the penalty box — speaks to her remarkable finishing skills. In fact, her finishing is arguably the best in Tier 7, making her an incredibly valuable asset to the team.
A Special Thanks to a Special Volunteer – Cristian Kemble
Presented by Chairman Paul Dipre
Paul and Claire Dipre took a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude to a truly exceptional volunteer, Cristian Kemble, who has gone above and beyond in countless ways to support the club over many years. Cristian is, in many ways, the heart and soul of Carshalton Athletic. He is the Match Day Secretary, responsible for the fantastic digital matchday programmes, posting vital information to the league, and operating the Tannoy system for both the men’s first team and, occasionally, the women’s team on Sundays. But that’s just the beginning. Cristian is also the driving force behind the Robins choir, leading the passionate group of fans behind the goal, whether at home or away, coming up with songs and belting them out with infectious energy.
His contributions extend further, as he’s also supported the media team, providing live commentary on Twitter when needed, and even stepped up to host the awards ceremony.
Here are some words from Chairman Paul Dipre: “Cristian Kemble contributes so much to this club – from compiling and publishing the matchday programme, completing the team sheets, and posting league updates, to operating the Tannoy for the first team when needed. He even leads the Robins Choir on matchdays! He’s incredible, completely unmatched in the 17 years I’ve owned the club.”
Paul continued, “When no one else is willing to step up, Cristian always does. He’s highly competent in everything he takes on and always puts the club and its people first. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside him, and I know everyone at the club feels the same way.”
Thank you, Cristian, for everything you do!
Closing words from Chairman Paul Dipre
Chairman Paul Dipre concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt thank you to those who make everything possible behind the scenes. He expressed deep gratitude for individuals like John Kistner, the Men’s First Team Tannoy operator, General Manager and Kit Man David Geddes, as well as Annie Farrar, Vicky Mannooch, and Mia Patton for their invaluable contributions to the academy and the smooth operation of the club throughout the week.
Paul also took a moment to recognise the many others who play a crucial role, including bar staff, junior coaches, groundsmen, security personnel, and so many more whose efforts often go unnoticed but are essential to the club’s success. Each of these dedicated individuals is integral to the day-to-day running of the club, and their commitment was met with much appreciation.
A heartfelt surprise from our Women’s First Team
Presented by Sarah Chapman and Heather Eade
There was also a wonderful surprise from our Women’s First Team, who took a moment to show their heartfelt appreciation in their own special way. Led by Chappers, the team shared kind words and presented thoughtful gifts and cards to those who have supported them throughout the season.
Lamont’s trusted coaching staff, Ashley Sone and Phil, along with goalkeeper coach Harry Dell, club photographer Lin Bartley, match reporter Joe Turner, kit man David Geddes, and Lamont himself, were all recognised for their outstanding contributions. The gesture was met with warm embraces, sincere gratitude, and, in true Chappers’ style, a few bottles of wine to go around. It was a touching moment that captured the close-knit spirit and camaraderie at the heart of the squad.
What a perfect way to cap off the 2024–25 season. The spirit of togetherness at Carshalton Athletic was on full display — men’s and women’s teams sharing drinks and laughter at the bar,
players enjoying a kickabout with junior Robins on the pitch, and supporters singing the names of their favourite stars. It was a celebration of community, connection, and everything that makes this club special.
